Customer Reviews

OnGuard Beast 5018 Bicycle Chain Lock

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is hard to write a review of a product like this because there is no way to know how effective it is unless someone actually tries to steal your bike and fails and you know about it. That being said, this thing is literally a "Beast".

It weighs a ton. Feels about as strong and sturdy as anything you could possibly purchase. The description does it no justice. You really have to hold it to realize how huge and thick it is. If someone steals your property by going through this thing they deserve it.

Pros:
-Built like a tank
-Appears to be seriously deterring to thieves. If I were a thief, I would select an easier target
-Long enough to go through both wheels and a post barely.
-Quality construction and the nylon cover feels solid.
-Lock is equally beastly and appears difficult to attack.
-Comes with FIVE keys so you have plenty of spares in a pinch.

Cons:
-Unwieldy. It weighs a fricking ton. Might not be the best to commute back and forth with on your bike. Probably should just leave it wherever you lock your bike. Who's gonna steal a lock all by itself?
-Not quite as long as I would like. Another six inches or so would be perfect.
-Keys feel really cheap in comparison to everything else almost like they may break easily if torqued at all.
-Product registration is through the mail only as far as I can tell which is odd for a product sold in 2009.

I trust this lock with my over $1000 bike and don't ever lose any sleep over it. Peace of mind is something worth paying for.

The words "motorcycle lock" should apply to this baby because it weighs over 13lbs! If you plan on buying this lock for your bicycle, you can - great protection! But at that weight unless you are in REALLY good shape, or a masochist (or both), its better suited for a motorcycle. And with a motorcycle, it's not all roses and sunshine, either. Get a good bag, strong bungee cord/net, etc., to hold this lock and keep it stationary on your motorcycle.

I brought this lock for my motorcycle - a 600cc sportbike, which are usually "eye catchers" for the honest and not-so-honest man/woman. I worked hard for my bike and I plan on keeping it. I have one "Beast" that I brought back in 2005 and a second one brought in May 2008 - and I still have my bike!

The OnGuard BeastChain (5018) is well made; the chain thickness is 12mm (½ in.) and is hardened reinforced steel. The lock itself has two steel balls inside of it (no jokes!) for stronger defense against attack, and is 5 ½ feet in length. It's anti-drill and pick-proof (according to the packaging). It also has a covering over the chain to protect your wheel, frame, etc., from damage. There is also a "Anti-Theft Protection Offer" (Power sports only) against failure up to: $1200 (US), £400 (UK), 400 (Germany). And at around $80, the price is also reasonable for what you get.

A statement I've heard from time to time is "If they want it, they'll get it", you should keep this in mind if you buy this or any lock. With the right tools and enough time, a determined, professional thief can break even THIS chain and/or lock. But that's the thing: if they have the right tools and enough time. This isn't the $10.99 lock you find at some of the low end bicycle shops. Something you could probably break with your bare hands. The "Beast" is one heavy duty, tough, chain. A person(s) would be very conspicuous with huge bolt cutters, blow torch, etc. trying to break this lock on the street. This would attract attention, police, etc. Thieves don't want that. And it takes time, too. So seeing the size and thickness of the chain and the huge lock, most would just keep walking, looking for a much easier target. Great!

This lock is not perfect however, the length - at 5 ½ feet, is a bit short. At that length you cannot just wrap the chain around your wheel and that pole on the sidewalk; unless the pole (or stationary object) is right next to your bike. That can be a negative to some. You may have to park your motorcycle/scooter on the sidewalk to get closer to that pole/object, but careful in some states that's illegal (in New York City it is). You could also buy a longer chain, say 7 ft., but that's going to be more weight.

There's also a part of the lock that's plastic. I don't know why this is; it doesn't weaken the lock (to my knowledge), the lock is mostly metal with a plastic cover. But cosmetically it's something to worry about if you happen to drop the lock.

Another thing with the Onguard padlocks I've had experience with: you must insert the key correctly every time. You insert the key into the lock until it cannot go any more and then you turn it. This may sound elementary but sometimes you can get lazy or be in a hurry and not do this. In which case you will then, over time, damage the lock, where you won't be able to open it. You will then need an experienced lock smith or the Fire department/Police to cut the chain/lock. So be careful.

Some tips: Spray inside the lock with lubricant occasionally, to keep the mechanisms inside working smoothly. Also, use an air duster to keep sand and grit out of the holes on the lock itself, and the "Beast" should protect your possession for a very long time.

Also remember: *ALWAYS* chain your motorcycle/scooter/bicycle to something stationary if you are going to be away from it more than 30 seconds! Seriously!

So I would recommend this chain, its tough, strong and of good craftsmanship. I believe it's a good theft deterrent. I brought my motorcycle two years ago; I live and ride in New York City and I STILL have my motorcycle!

Very pleased with this chain lock. I paired it up with (Kryptonite New York Standard Bicycle U-Lock w/Bracket ) and I absolutely love the quality, finishing, easy of use, and overall a great sturdy, heavy-duty look. I have 'em both on a vintage royce union and even the behemeth look blends in well (around the saddle). Comes with good solid keys ( five; one with light ). A must buy. I prefered to go with this instead of a kryptonite chain lock; the overall quality is comparably much better and helps keep two set of keys seperate :)

This chain lock was purchased to secure my generator and protect against unintended loss. It is very heavy and appears to be well made, time will be the test as it is outside with the generator. The chain cover is very nice and makes it easier to handle. I gave it 4 stars because the lock is not easy to unlock. This lock would likely deter any thief because of its appearance. However, as a bike lock it may be a bit impractical due to its weight--it's heavy. For a motorcycle it may be more practical, but it will add weight if you are storing it. This model has a smaller gauge than the 5016, which is thicker, but the manufacturer gives them the same rating. I found a review of locks on the internet and this type of lock and the similar Kryptonite brand rated the highest for security purposes. This brand was a better price then the competition and I was able to look at it locally to make my decision to buy on Amazon at a much lower price.

Lock was delivered quickly with service. Exactly as described, no surprises. Lock feels like it's over 10 pounds. It is good if you can leave lock at location where you will attach bike. It is very intimidating!

Very long, very heavy chain which is a good thing for Motorsports. I would not recommend for bicycle applications due to the weight. But the quality is better than the Kryptonite chains I have used in the past. The Velcro stays help to keep the cover on the chain. Great price and fast free shipping. I have read that others have had problems with the lock, I have not experienced this issue. Just make sure you insert the key completely prior to locking/unlocking. The chain alone is worth the price, I consider the lock to be a bonus. That can always be replaced if needed. Enjoy!

I bought this lock to secure either my motorcycle or bicycle when I commute into work. Upon receiving the package, I was stunned at the weight. I had read other reviews stating as such, but this sucker really IS heavy.

After deciding the size/weight of the chain was simply too much for bicycle use, unless entering a bicycle cage match battle to the death, I decided it would be dedicated to motorcycle use. Day one of commuting with it, I found the gargantuan chain was too bulky for my backpack. Leather jacket on, backpack on, sling the chain over my shoulder and ride off feeling quite like an extra from Road Warrior. After about 10 miles it was rather uncomfortable. "Not for wearing," I thought, so no big deal. Day two, I placed it in a saddle bag. Much better.

The lock comes with 5 keys, one with a very bright LED light. The chain cover, a woven nylon, is of high quality and protects whatever you're locking from the chain. Overall, I like the chain and lock for security, but the size/weight has been significant enough to make it less than convenient. I'm sure its more convenient than walking home because my motorcycle was
quickly thrown in the back of a truck, never to be seen again, though.

I bought this chain last year. I like it. People were trying to get me to buy a U-lock but I bought this chain instead because you can use this chain anywhere in the city because it's so long and versatile. I can lock my bike up to telephone poles with this chain and I would not be able to do that with a U-lock. This chain is 14lbs and many people told me that I would not be able to fit it on my bike but if you have a mid-frame bag like one from Nashbar then it will fit in that very conveniently. That's what I did. I bought a Nashbar mid-frame bag and the lock fits in there perfectly and I don't even notice it's there. I have an electric bike so the extra 14lbs doesn't bother me much but even then, I can still pedal the bike even though it's a bit heavy but at least I know that no one will be stealing my bike, EVER.

I was able to find the best deal here on Amazon.com. The best competition was about $15 away. The product is very intimidating and allowed me the opportunity to sleep a little easier at night knowing my bike was now somewhat secured. Lets face it, if a theif wants your bike enough he/she is going to get it. I can only hope they'll get their punishment sometime in the future. The only thing we can do is try to make the task harder and guide them to an easier target. I feel this chain is doing just that. I do wish it was about 6" longer to allow me to chain it on my bike to take where ever I need. It is a physical task to carry this thing in a backpack. So much so that I did it once and decided I wouldn't be doing it again. Good product and very pleased.

Chain is stout and heavy. Having the nylon sleeve not only looks nice, but keeps my bike from getting scratched.

The lock operates very smoothly and while the key with the built-in LED is nice, it is a bit bulky.

I only have two minor complaints:

I wanted the longer chain, the 6 footer, but it is not sold in a package with a lock - don't ask me why - So I would have had to purchase them separately and that would have been more money than I wanted to spend.

I want to purchase a second lock for a different location and wanted them to use the same key. I wrote directly to the company and they said it was "impossible"

despite these minor inconveniences, this is a solid product and I give it 4.675 stars out of 5